It takes longer to reach our destination if we leave the highway and follow the backroads, but the slower pace can bring its own rewards.
Spring hillside in eastern Washington. The distant fence provides a sense of scale. Click on the photo to go to its location on the Iris Arts website. Photo: © Donald J. Rommes
A recent road trip took us through the small college town of Walla Walla in the wine and wheat growing region of eastern Washington State. We were heading west, but had the luxury of time and decided to travel the backroads instead of the highway.
North of Walla Walla, the treeless volcanic landscape is one of rolling hills and wheat fields. In spring, the wheat fields are either a fresh green or the color of desiccated straw. One side of a hill may be straw-yellow and the other fresh green, and with no visible irrigation, the reason for the color difference is not readily apparent.
Nonetheless, the rolling green hills are attractive and the simple elegance of their forms can be mesmerizing. In one area where the surrounding hills were all draped in green, we pulled to the side of the road to look.
Looking up-valley, the green wheat fields seem draped over the folded landscape. Click on the photo to go to its location on the Iris Arts website. Photo: © Donald J. Rommes
The landscape was easy on the eyes. We naturally followed the curves of the hills as they flowed into one another. At times, it seemed as if we were looking at one huge green blanket that made folds after being casually tossed on the ground. It was a simple fascination, requiring no effort, consuming no energy, and clearing the mind of clutter.
Soon, we reached for our cameras to record the scene, to try to show others what we saw and felt. It's not the same, of course. The viewer can't feel the warmth of the sun or the pressure of a stiff breeze from the north, and she can't experience the natural quiet. But perhaps the scale and simplicity of natural forms will communicate the tranquility we felt there.
Variations on a theme. The tonalities in the monochromatic landscape are determined by the way the light strikes the gently rolling hills. Nothing is included that gives the viewer a sense of scale. It is all about forms and shades of green. Click on the photo to go to its location on the Iris Arts website. Photo: © Donald J. Rommes
A continuation of the sensuous landscape above, looking further to the right (south) and including a portion of road for scale. Click on the photo to go to its location on the Iris Arts website. Photo: © Donald J. Rommes
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